[Bcma-l] Hello from the embattled Grand Forks Boundary Museum

[bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca]

Hi all,

In the past the person at this end dealing with the List was Wanda 
Mizner, our curator.
Wanda has moved on and for the next while I'll be acting as the list 
contact.

My name is Les Johnson and I'm the technician at the Boundary Museum 
here in Grand Forks BC.
At least for now ...

We were going to make my first post (to the list) a job posting for the 
curator position but circumstances have pushed that into the background 
for now.
After 49 years of operation the Boundary Museum's doors have been shut 
and the board and staff have been locked out of the facility by City Hall.
This took place October 1.
It appears City Council wants to kill off the non-profit society and 
replace it with another one to run the museum. (If anyone requires it 
I'll post the city's press release and you can see for yourself)

It is the latest event in the parallel processes of moving the museum 
from its original building across the street to the old courthouse, with 
a lease being negotiated, AND the switch from the old funding mechanism 
to a fee-for-services agreement.
Both of these documents have been a source of confusion and 
consternation for the museum and its new roommate, the Grand Forks Art 
Gallery. (although the museum has been especially piqued)

My board has asked that I find a way onto the list (we do not have 
access to our computers, email, files, etc ...), make the announcement 
and try to solicit advice, ideas and any similar experiences any of you 
may have had in dealings with your local governments.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts, stories and ideas.

I'll be around until they tell me I'm not being paid and maybe beyond 
that as well.
- Les Johnson
  Technician
  The Boundary Museum
  Grand Forks, BC